What if your federal pension is small and you're not relying on it—should you still elect survivor benefits? In this episode, John and Tommy respond to a listener's detailed YouTube question about pensions, TSP, and survivor benefits when service time is short and other retirement savings are strong. They break down the real value of keeping survivor benefits, even when your pension isn't your main income stream.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Federal Employees - DO NOT Decline Survivor Benefits!

Are credit cards still worth using with all the fees being passed on to consumers? In this episode, Tommy and John dive into a hot topic on their minds lately: the real pros and cons of credit cards, debit cards, and cash. They share their personal credit card habits, how many cards they each use, and the strategy behind maximizing rewards without falling into the trap of overspending.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What's the difference between active and passive investing, and when should you use mutual funds versus ETFs? In this episode, John and Tommy break down essential investing concepts that federal employees need to know, covering everything from the fundamentals of stocks and bonds to practical cash management strategies.

You'll learn about active versus passive investing philosophies, the mechanics and tax implications of mutual funds and ETFs, and why dollar-cost averaging can help overcome emotional barriers in investing.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What does it really look like to work with a financial planning team that knows your federal benefits inside and out—and shows up for you year after year? In this episode, John and Tommy take you behind the scenes of Mason & Associates' Strategic Planning Meeting Season (SPM), where they conduct over 400 client meetings in just six weeks. They share real conversations, real actions, and the process that makes it all work.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What does it take to grow a financial advisory firm the right way, without sacrificing client experience? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the strategic direction of Mason & Associates, sharing how they're enhancing services, refining internal systems, and ensuring their clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Whether you're already a client or someone searching for the right financial advisor, this episode offers valuable insights into the kind of care and intentionality you should expect from your advisor.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• SPECIAL EPISODE: New Client Process & Client Experience

Federal salaries don't always tell the whole story. In this episode, John and Tommy take a closer look at the true value of federal employment, highlighting how benefits like pensions, FEHB health coverage, TSP matching, and survivor options stack up against the private sector. You'll learn why it could take a 30-50% higher salary elsewhere to match the federal total compensation package, and why those numbers matter when making career decisions.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
• Retiring in Uncertain Times? Avoid This Survivor Benefit Mistake
• FERS Go Bag

Is reviewing your tax return enough or are you missing the bigger picture? In this episode, Tommy and John break down why simply looking at last year's return doesn't cut it, and how projection-based planning connects directly to key financial decisions like Roth conversions, mortgage deductions, and retirement income strategy.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• TurboTax
• Form 2210 – Underpayment of Estimated Tax
• H&R Block
• SPECIAL EPISODE: New Client Process & Client Experience

What does a real financial planner actually do—and how do you know if you've hired one? In this episode, Michael, Tommy and John break down the most common misconceptions about financial planning and explain why it's about much more than just investment management. You'll learn why financial planning is especially crucial for federal employees, how fiduciary standards impact the advice you receive, and what red flags to look for in a planner.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
• VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority)

What if your six-month emergency fund isn't enough? In this episode, John, Michael, and Tommy tackle the shifting financial landscape for federal employees in 2025. As government changes create uncertainty—think early retirements and layoffs—they share smart, strategic ways to prepare. You'll learn how to build a tiered emergency plan, optimize your liquidity, and adapt your lifestyle budget in case your income suddenly takes a hit.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Dave Ramsey
• Rocket Money
• EveryDollar
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• Don't Max Your TSP

Should you elect full survivor benefits when retiring as a federal employee? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Mike discuss one of the most critical decisions for federal retirees. They explore the costs, benefits, and long-term financial implications of survivor benefits, urging retirees to carefully consider their options. They also emphasize the importance of full survivor benefits for ensuring continued income for spouses after retirement, providing real-life examples to show how these benefits can impact financial security, tax advantages, and peace of mind.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)
• Stay Wealthy Retirement Show
• Federal Employees - DO NOT Decline Survivor Benefits!
• Mason & Associates Interview with Wavy 10- Military Survivor Benefits